10 YA Novels That Blur the Line Between Sci-Fi & Fantasy

The line between science fiction and fantasy isn't always clear. Sometimes a book might be based in a dystopian world with elements of magic or have both mythical creatures and advanced technology. Steampunk, for example, is a popular subgenre that uses aspects of both in order to create its unique aesthetic. The ten YA novels listed here are great for people who are fans of sci-fi and fantasy, and want to get the best of both worlds in one book. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.

How to Build a Fictional World

In Depth

When books combine sci-fi elements like space travel, advanced technology, and dystopian futures with aspects of fantasy, like magic and mythical creatures, anything is possible. If you don't want to choose between these two wonderful genres, check out these ten riveting Y.A. novels that blur the line between sci-fi and fantasy. Take note that this list is done in no particular order.

First up, at #1, we have "An Uncommon Blue" by R.C. Hancock. In the world of Telesphore, a person's place in society is determined by the glowing fire on their palm. Bruno is a member of the privileged blue class. One day, he's tricked into permanently mixing colors with a person from a lower caste, which leads to him accidentally killing a royal soldier. Now on the run, he has to navigate the impoverished slums that he never even knew existed, making unlikely allies along the way.

Next, at #2, is "When Copper Suns Fall." Written by KaSonndra Leigh, it's the first entry of her "Lost Immortals" series. Set in a dystopian world ravaged by a war between two rival angel factions, it tells the story of Chela Prizeon, a teenager whose twin brother has fallen into a coma after a tragic accident. Chela believes that her brother was actually attacked, and her life is changed forever when her investigation leads to shocking revelations about herself and the people around her.

Chela believes that her brother was actually attacked, and her life is changed forever when her investigation leads to shocking revelations about herself and the people around her.

At #3 is "Magicians' Rivalry" by H.L. Burke. After spending five years at the Magicians' Academy, Auric Spellsmith returns home to prove himself to his estranged father, who has taken on an apprentice named Jericho Carver. Auric and Jericho compete over who gets to inherit the family business, but when Master Spellsmith suddenly disappears, the two of them are forced to work together in order to save the man they both look up to as a father figure.

Next up, at #4, we have "Relic" by Heather Terrell. When her brother Eamon dies, Eva decides to honor him by taking his place in the Testing, where Gallant Testors survive in the icy wastelands and compete to find valuable artifacts from a bygone era. During the Testing, Eva uncovers old relics that will forever change her perspective of the world. With the help of her servant, Lukas, she discovers that their civilization is built on lies and realizes that her brother was murdered because he, too, learned the truth about their past.

At #5 is "Bernie and the Putty" by Steve LeBel. After graduating from God School, Bernie secures a job at the Business and is tasked with building his own universe, which he does with ease. Unfortunately, random disasters suddenly start occurring all around his new world, and he suspects that another god has been intentionally meddling with his universe. With the help of his friends, Bernie must find and stop the saboteur or else he'll lose his prestigious job as a builder.

Unfortunately, random disasters suddenly start occurring all around his new world, and he suspects that another god has been intentionally meddling with his universe.

Next, at #6, is "The Wizard Killer" by Adam Dreece. The story kicks off with the unnamed protagonist waking up after being stabbed by his own enchanted sword. Having no memory of who he is or what happened to him, he must navigate this strange dystopian world full of deadly monsters in order to piece together his mysterious past. Along the way, he finds a few unusual allies and learns to harness powers he never knew he had.

At #7 is "Stone Rider" by David Hofmeyr. Adam Stone's lifelong dream is to leave the town of Blackwater and live in the luxurious Sky-Base. The only way he can achieve this is by winning the extremely dangerous byke race through the Blackwater Trail. When his brother is killed by a vicious gang, Adam enters the competition and is determined to leave his old life behind. Racing alongside him are the beautiful Sadie Blood and an enigmatic outsider named Kane, who refuses to reveal his true intentions.

Next up, at #8, we have "When We Have Wings" by Claire Corbett. In the future, humans have developed the technology to artificially grow functional wings. Peri is a nanny who worked hard to finally achieve her dream of being able to fly. One day, she suddenly disappears while carrying her employers' infant child with her. Now, private detective Zeke has to find Peri and figure out why she ran away. It's a suspenseful tale full of shocking twists and turns, and it explores the issue of classism and the morality of genetic modification.

Now, private detective Zeke has to find Peri and figure out why she ran away.

At #9 is "Second Star" by J.M. Sullivan. In this futuristic retelling of "Peter Pan," Wendy Darling is a ship captain serving in the prestigious Londonierre Brigade. When she receives word that the legendary captain James Hooke, who presumably died a century ago, is alive and stranded on a planet known as Neverland, Wendy and her crew set out to rescue him. They soon realize that Hooke cannot be trusted, and with the help of a mechanic named Pan, they have to prevent an evil and very powerful creature from escaping Neverland.

Finally, at #10, we have "Dissonance." Written by Erica O'Rourke, it's the first entry of her eponymous series. Del is one of the Walkers, people who have the ability to travel to Echo worlds, which are alternate realities that are created whenever any person makes a choice. When she starts interacting with the Echo versions of her longtime crush, she unwittingly uncovers shocking secrets about the multiverse that the Council of Walkers has been hiding from everyone.